There is a rather beautiful faded glory to these mythical creatures, which flank the steps guarding the ruins of the Italian Terraces in front of the former Crystal Palace, which dramatically burnt down in 1936.

Guinness bread!

As preposterous as this sounds I think there are few ills that can’t be cured by sitting lazily on a stack of rugs in Liberty and allowing the patterns to wash over you in a warm, and slightly itchy, haze. If you don’t believe me try it. The second you step off the main shopping area the sound and lights dim, the rugs beg to be touched, and all your worries seem to disappear.

Although my skating days are now over, Stockwell Skatepark located just behind Brixton Academy is one of the reasons I moved to Brixton. It’s an excellent place, lumpy and hectic but totally friendly with decent Portuguese coffee and cakes just next door.

Amazing small plates restaurant near Newington Green in a old car showroom.